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13 Household Staples to Tame Your Frizzy Mane

Don't let summertime humidity get the best of your locks. Try one of these Everyday Health reader-recommended and expert-approved frizz-fighters — no fancy-schmancy salon products necessary.

Try as you might to tame your mane, moisture-rich warm-weather air can undo those hours you spent blow drying, straightening, and styling within mere minutes. “Hair gets frizzy in the rain or high humidity because the hair shaft likes to soak up moisture in the air, which swells the cuticle so it doesn’t lie as smoothly,” explains Washington, D.C.-based dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, MD.

And the inevitable “bad hair day” that follows isn’t just a harmless summer bummer — one Yale study (commissioned by Proctor & Gamble) found that negative feelings about your ‘do can increase self-doubt and intensify insecurity.

These simple home remedies for hair can help you fight the frizz and love your locks again.

Try a Frizz-Fighting Shower Regimen

“The best way to combat frizzy hair is to keep hair in good condition by avoiding excessive shampooing, washing hair every other day at most, and applying deep-conditioning treatments at least once a week,” says Dr. Tanzi.

We also asked Everyday Health Facebook fans which home remedies helped the most during their crazy summer hair days. Here’s their best advice, along with expert tips and tricks from Dr. Tanzi and Miami-based celebrity hair stylist Oribe.

Oribe says: “That’s a good tip. Oil will make the hair shiny, just be careful of the greasiness — you might want to use oil just on the ends of your hair, or mid-shaft to ends. Don’t apply too much oil to the roots.”

Ye Ole Hat-and-Pony Trick

“A hat or a ponytail.” — Carolyn Marcel

“Ponytail!” — Leslie Miller Hoffman

Oribe says: “You can also tie your hair back with a scarf or headband to conceal frizz. For another easy updo style, slick your hair back into a knot or bun and apply an anti-frizz gel to hold it in place.”

Pick a Smoothing Oil

“I put a little extra-virgin coconut oil in my palm, and rub it over my dried hair. [It] moisturizes and controls in one swoop!”

— Mikie Ivy Humphreville

“Use just a tad of baby oil and rub thoroughly in your hands, then finger comb your hair.”

— Michelle Hart-Wilhour

“Argan oil (or Moroccan oil) is the best!”

— Karen Tauber Wilson

Dr. Tanzi says: “Oils coat the hair follicle and prevent water from being absorbed from the air, which causes frizz. But be careful: Too much oil can weigh hair down and make it too flat. And I’d stay away from coconut oil. It’s very heavy and can cause scalp breakouts.”

Choose a Chilly Treatment

“[Rinse with] cold water after conditioner.” — Alyce Morgan

Oribe says: “Cold water is supposed to help close the hair cuticle, which makes it less susceptible to frizz, and add shine. If you can stand the temperature, then give it a go.”

Stir In a Spoonful of Mayo

“Add mayo to your conditioner.” — Tina Goff Rayborn

Dr. Tanzi says: “Mayonnaise is very difficult to rinse and leaves a heavy residue, so this is not my favorite frizz treatment.”

Try a Bit of Baking Soda

“I sprinkle a tiny bit of baking soda in my shampoo to get [hair] nice and clean and then I do an intense moisturizer. Works every time and makes my hair sleek, shiny, and smooth.”

Skip a Shampoo

Oribe says: “Sure, but even when you don’t shampoo, be sure to massage your scalp in the shower. It’s important to stimulate the scalp and roots so that your hair doesn’t clog with oils.”

'Guac' Up Your Tresses

“Smash an avocado in a bowl til smooth and creamy, then smear, rub, and [coat] your hair; cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes, [then] rinse with warm water until you feel smoothness. I then rub in vanilla for a comforting scent!”

Cure It With Crisco

Crisco!!! I apply it like a hair mask. My hair is super soft and shiny."

— Rachel Stone

Oribe says: "It's an interesting tip, but I wouldn't necessarily go there. You'll have to deal with the smell of Crisco all day!"

Keep Hairspray Handy

"I spray some hairspray on a brush and voila!" — Jennifer Mauch Rohlfes

Oribe says: "That's a good tip. It distributes the hairspray, which allows the stickiness of the spray to spread throughout the hair. Products with a sticky quality help to hold hair together, which minimizes the frizz."

Ditch the Towel

“Put down the towel!! Sometimes when you dry your hair with a towel [it] can leave it dry. Use a 100 percent cotton shirt instead.” — Erica C. Portley

Oribe says: “That could work because of the smoothness of the fabric. If it works for you, go for it!”